Home painting is one of the essential aspects of home maintenance. And why wouldn't it be? A fresh coat of paint not only revives the look and feel of your property but adds to the life and protection of your home. Besides, it also increases its resale value, attracting more potential buyers.
But a common question that often arises is, how often do you need to repaint a house? Well, it depends!
Several factors, such as location, weather conditions, paint type and quality, area to be painted, etc., are considered to determine how frequently you should paint your home.
Expert home painters Melbourne, through this blog, explain all such factors along with some signs that can help you decide your home makeover timeline. Let’s get started.
Factors that determine home painting timeline.
Here are some key considerations that can help you know how often do you need to repaint a house:
- Existing paint quality
Different paint types have different lifespans. High-quality paints have a higher life and maintain their appearance better than low-quality ones.
2. Professional vs DIY
If your last paint job was done by professionals, chances are you won’t need to repaint it anytime soon. Professional painters often offer a more durable and long-lasting finish than DIY projects. They also use the right painting methods, including preparing and priming the paint surface to ensure the paint stays for a long time.
3. Climate or weather conditions
Exterior climatic conditions can take a toll on your home’s exterior and even interiors in extreme cases. So, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, hail or intense sunlight, you may need to repaint your home frequently.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help you preserve your paint quality and prevent it from being damaged. If you regularly clean wall surfaces and address any issues timely, your paint can last longer.
5. Personal preferences
Sometimes, the decision to repaint a house is a matter of personal choice. If you are somebody who gets bored of things easily or is fond of styling, you may choose to repaint your home frequently.
In addition, several other factors, such as the material of the surface, existing paint colour (dark or light), and traffic and use of a specific area, play a significant role in determining the frequency of repainting.
While the aforementioned factors will definitely help you decide on your home makeover timeline, both interior and exterior paint timelines vary due to being in different surroundings.
Let’s dig deeper.
How often should you repaint your house’s interior?
Generally, you don’t need to repaint your house interiors often. Most good quality paints last at least 5 - 8 years if the external conditions are favourable.
Here’s a breakdown of home interior paint requirements area-wise:
- Kitchen: Refresh kitchen paint every 2-3 years as it’s a high-traffic area and is a hotspot of food splatters and steam from the stove.
- Bathrooms: Most used facilities that experience significant temperature changes, like warm temperatures (hot baths and cold showers). They should be repainted every 2-4 years.
- Living room: It’s safe to repaint your living room every two to three years as families spend most of their time here.
- Hallways and entryway: With high foot traffic, you may consider repainting them every 2-3 years.
- Bedrooms: Low-traffic area and less likely to lose existing paint. So, it can be repainted every 5-7 years.
How often should you repaint your house’s exterior?
Your home’s exterior is exposed to harsh elements, like rain and heat, so it needs a repaint frequently. Here’s a guide:
- Stained or clear finished timber: every 2-5 years
- Painted timber: repainted every 2-3 years
- Painted weatherboards can last up to 15 years
- Gloss or semi-gloss timber: every few years
It’s good to consult an exterior house painting Melbourne expert before making a decision. They will inspect your property and can also give you an estimate of exterior painting cost based on your house requirements.
Signs you need to repaint your home
Various tell-tale signs that it’s time to call home painters, which include:
- Blistering or chalking
If you notice any blistering or chalking when rubbing your hand against the painted surface, whether interior or exterior, it’s time to repaint your home. This indicates the paint is breaking down due to sun damage or moisture buildup and can cause problems if not addressed timely.
2. Fading paint
Over time, sunlight can cause paint to fade, causing it to lose its appeal. So, if your paint looks dull, it might be time for a fresh coat of paint.
3. Cracking or peeling
When the protective layer of the paint material is compromised, it leads to peeling or cracking of paint. This exposes your home’s surface to elements and can cause further damage.
4. Mould or mildew
Are you noticing mould or mildew on your walls? If yes, it’s a sign of moisture issues. It’s a serious concern and should be fixed immediately, along with repainting the walls.
5. Wood damage
If your homes have wooden interiors or exteriors, signs of wood rot or decay should never be ignored. By repainting your wooden walls, you can protect and preserve the wood for a long time.
Conclusion
Regularly painting your property is the key to maintaining its aesthetics and value life long. Painting your home every 5-7 years will protect it against wear, fading and potential damage. However, factors like climate, existing paint quality, and maintenance can accelerate the need for a touch-up. Using the above guide will help you determine if it’s the right time to “paint my house”. Lastly, when you decide to repaint your home, hire a reputed painting professional who can help you get a high-quality paint job that lasts for years.
